Your dreamless sleep was disrupted by a soft female voice. "I'm just here for my--"

You could barely make out the words, and you were in a panic. You snapped upright, looking towards the window where the sun shone dimly through the thick curtains. You quickly thrust a hand down to your fuzzy cock-sleeve and fished out the ring just as Starlight was coming in.

She cocked a brow at you with some confusion that turned to curiosity when your hand came free with a ring. "What's that?" She pointed a hoof right at it. There was no hiding it. "Are you normally in the habit of ornamenting yourself?"

Well, no. Should you explain? You decided there weren't many other options in the heat of the moment, so you explained how Moon and Careful were trying to teach you magic.

Starlight's face broke into a wide smile. "Is that so? That actually confirms a theory of mine. A pony owes me ten bits."

You heard a muffled thump from somewhere and glanced around, but you didn't see the source.

Starlight dipped her head at you. "I am Starlight Glimmer, and I'm told you already know that." She thrusted a hoof at you. "You know many things, and that makes sense in a fashion. But, most importantly, you've taken this impossible situation in stride."

How much had she been told?

"Oh, quite a bit." Starlight turned to the side. "I'm unsure how much you have been informed, but it was I that found how to reach compatible males in the first place." She glanced at you sideways. "I imagine you assumed Luna was the one responsible."

Wait, Luna hadn't?

"She tried." Starlight nodded before turning to face you directly. "But each was flawed. None had the exact script we required. In fact, even you aren't perfect, but you're close enough to work with. That, mathematically speaking, is already beyond all calculation. Can you guess why?"

No?

"Can you guess what it means?"

Not... really?

"That's alright." She waved it away. "Today is for getting to know one another, and for discussion. If I like what I see, we can discuss moving forward. Now, do you like magic?"

Sure did.

She smiled coyly. "Do you like performances?"

You weren't sure where that was headed, but nodded.

"Then watch this." She pulled out a familiar hat from her fur and set it on the ground. Her horn glowed brightly. "Come forth, my Great and Powerful friend!"

The hat rose up smoothly, revealing a Trixie beneath it. "Hello, naked and potential stud." She smiled at you with all the confidence she was known for. "I've been waiting for this day."

The door suddenly burst open, an agitated Luna stood there with a frown. "Trixie was not given leave to be here."

Starlight held up a hoof. "I'm not doing this without my best friend. You wouldn't let her be on the list, but she's with me. You owe me."

Luna glanced between the two mares that looked at her with righteous fight in their stances, then she looked at you. "What say you, Stud? Should I escort this mare away? You are not beholden to entertain both at once."

Trixie spun around to face you. "Did Trixie hear correctly? You wish to learn the art of magic? Well, you've come to no finer place than us." She waved a hoof between herself and Starlight. "We'll show you magic you've never seen." Her lashes lowered in a sultry glare. "You don't want to miss out on this opportunity."

Starlight was less unshaken, clearly a little unsettled by Luna's presence. "She's right. I work better with my friend here. Don't send her away, or... I'll..." She bit her bottom lip lightly. "Please don't."

You were far more moved by Starlight's nervousness than Trixie's show of confident bravado. But there was more at stake than hurt feelings. Was it true? Had Starlight found your world?

Luna drew in breath with a hiss. "That is correct. She adamantly refuses to specify how, but she gave me the key to finding your people." Her eyes darted to Trixie. "This one has no such excuse. She is not permitted here."

Why?

"What?"

Why wasn't she allowed to sign up for the list if she wanted to?

Luna put a hoof to her face. "Miss Trixie Lulamoon is already guilty of extreme abuse of items of arcane origin. She als--"

Trixie stomped a hoof. "Trixie apologized, and even worked to save this stupid country! When will you forgive Trixie?"

Luna scowled down at Trixie. "When the future of our people is not at stake."

Trixie put a hoof to her chest. "Exactly why you should be grateful Trixie is willing to participate at all. You'll want powerful foals with mighty magic. How could you not want Trixie?"

You felt like you were a third wheel in this conversation. At least until Luna turned back to you. "This is your decision. You have been most compliant, and you are aware of Trixie's... history. Do you wish to see her, or shall I see her away?"

Author's Note

https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-PFDSFMPN/

Get that ring off! It's all that's on your mind, besides be nice and and act natural as you're stirred from your slumber unexpectedly.

Oops, this got complicated. What do?

1) She can stay.
2) But only if she promises a favor later.
3) Only if she promises to be a Great and Considerate teacher.
4) No.
5) This is too early, everyone get out!
6) If you, Starlight, tell me exactly how you found my world.
7) No, but she should be added to the list.
8) Before that, why are you spying on me, like all the time?